I decided this year to commemorate Black History Month by reading books authored by African American Leaders this February. I hope that sharing my insights could potentially encourage you to also try some similar books and get inspired by these influential leaders.
1. The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Martin Luther King, Jr., Clayborne Carson
Reading about Martin Luther King, Jr. was at the top of my list to understand his legacy, and I’m glad I came across this book. Clayborne Carson, the editor, actually worked with Coretta Scott, King’s wife, to develop the content after King’s assassination. Carson used King’s journal entries, speeches, letters, and other artifacts to chronicle the life of King. We are very fortunate that King was such a voracious writer that we could get a personal account of his life and philosophy despite his untimely, early death.
The book walks through all the major milestones in King’s life. He discusses the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March to Washington, his impromptu “I have a dream” speech, his stabbing and initial brush with death, and many other major milestones in the Civil Rights movement. It was eye-opening for me to read about the segregation practices in the South, a hundred years after the Emancipation Proclamation during the Civil War. Having read his speeches and his supporting ideas, I consider him as one of the finest orators in modern times. His ability to influence communities across the world and his philosophy of nonviolent resistance will stand the test of time, cementing his legacy for generations to come.
My Favorite Quote
“Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land. And I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”
- Martin Luther King, Jr. on April 3, 1968, ending his speech the Day before his Assassination. It almost feels like to me that he knew what was coming.
Alternate Read on my List from the Author: Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community?
2. Across that Bridge by John Lewis
Rep. John Lewis was another stalwart of the Civil Rights movement who died at the age of 80 in 2020. This book published in 2019 provides some great wisdom based on the struggles he’s been involved in over the decades. Lewis talks about many of the Civil Rights events including being jailed 40 times, the iconic march across Pettus Bridge in Selma and staring down the barrel of a gun that day. Much of the book is advice geared to the younger generations, talking about some of the lessons he learnt and how to better deal with the highly divisive time we live in today.
My Favorite Quote
“Freedom is not a state; it is an act. It is not some enchanted garden perched high on a distant plateau where we can finally sit down and rest. Freedom is the continuous action we all must take, and each generation must do its part to create an even more fair, more just society.”
Alternate Read on my List from the Author: Walking With the Wind: A Memoir of the Movement
3. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
Maya Angelou is known for her immense body of literary work. She has written multiple autobiographies, books of poetry, plays, etc. This book is her first autobiography, talking about her experiences as a child and a teenager during the 1930s and 1940s in the United States. She goes into great detail about her traumatic experiences of sexual assault and rape when she was 8. The book provides a window into the culture and challenges faced by Black families and children during those decades. Her story also gives you belief that if someone can be such a positive force in the world despite all the negativity and violence they faced, we’re all capable of making a difference.
My Favorite Quote
“Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with shades of deeper meaning.”
Alternate Read on my List from the Author: The Heart of a Woman
4. If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin
The final book on this list is different as it’s fiction rather than a biography. James Baldwin is one of the highly admired writers of his time and allowed me to branch out into the literary world. While he’s known for his essays, this book got some recognition in 2018 as its film adaptation of the same name, from the director of Moonlight, received rave reviews and Oscar nominations.
Spoiler around the Theme of the Story: The story focuses on a young couple from a working-class background facing major upheaval as the man is wrongfully accused of raping a woman. To make matters worse, his fiancée finds out she’s pregnant while he’s stuck in prison. The engaging narrative revolving around their relationship and their families keeps you rooting for a happy ending, while always fearing the worst.
My Favorite Quote
“Neither love nor terror makes one blind: indifference makes one blind.”
Alternate Read on my List from the Author: The Fire Next Time
I hope this list is beneficial and nudges you to pick up one of these books, or another book by these authors. Are there any books that you’ve read this month that you’d recommend for Black History Month?
Cover Picture Credits: instagram.com/pictorialjournal/
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